Treating benign prostate hyperplasia with sarms

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a method of treating, preventing, suppressing, inhibiting or reducing the incidence of benign prostate hyperplasia in a male subject, by administering to the subject a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, or any combination thereof as described herein. This invention also provides a method of treating a subject suffering from hair loss, comprising the step of administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a 5-α reductase enzyme type 1 and/or type 2 inhibitor, wherein said inhibitor is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, or any combination thereof as described herein. This invention also provides a method of inhibiting a 5-α reductase type 1 and/or type 2 enzyme, comprising contacting the enzyme with an effective 5-α reductase inhibitory amount of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, or any combination thereof, as described herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is Continuation Application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/359,270, filed Feb. 6, 2003 which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/354,300, filed Feb. 7, 2002and Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/362,997, filed Mar. 11, 2002,which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the prevention and/or treatment of benignprostate hyperplasia (BPH). More particularly, this invention relates toa method of treating, preventing, suppressing, inhibiting, or reducingbenign prostate hyperplasia in a male subject suffering from benignprostate hyperplasia, comprising administering to said subject aselective androgen receptor modulator and/or its analog, derivative,isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceuticalproduct, hydrate, N-oxide, or mixtures thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a nonmalignant enlargement of theprostate gland. BPH is the most common non-malignant proliferativeabnormality found in any internal organ and the major cause of morbidityin the adult male. The initial development of BPH begins as early as 30to 40 years of age and the prevalence is approximately 10% for that agegroup. With advancing age, the prevalence of BPH increasesprogressively. BPH occurs in over 75% of men over 50 years of age,reaching 88% prevalence by the ninth decade. The general aging of theUnited States population, as well as increasing life expectancies, isanticipated to contribute to the continued growth in the number of BPHsufferers.

BPH frequently results in a gradual squeezing of the portion of theurethra which traverses the prostate (prostatic urethra). This causespatients to experience a frequent urge to urinate because of incompleteemptying of the bladder and a burning sensation or similar discomfortduring urination. The obstruction of urinary flow can also lead to ageneral lack of control over urination, including difficulty initiatingurination when desired, as well as difficulty of urinary retentionbecause bladder outlet obstruction and a uncontrollable urinarycontinence due to residual urine, a condition known as overflow urinaryincontinence.

There are two components of BPH. The first component is due toenlargement of the prostate gland, which may result in compression ofthe urethra and obstruction to the flow of urine from the bladder. Thesecond component is due to increased smooth muscle tone of the bladderneck and the prostate itself, which interferes with emptying of thebladder and is regulated by α1 adrenergic receptors (α1-Ars).

The androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) arecontributing factors in producing BPH in the prostate. Testosterone isconverted by 5-alpha-reductase (5α-reductase) to DHT, which is aboutfive times more potent than testosterone due to its greater bindingaffinity to the androgen receptor. DHT binds to cytoplasmic receptors inthe prostate, where it initiates RNA and DNA synthesis. This action, inturn, induces protein synthesis and abnormal growth of the prostate.There are two isoforms of 5-α reductase in mammals, particularly humans.The type 1 isoenzyme is highly expressed in liver and skin, has a loweraffinity for testosterone, and behaves more like a catabolic reagent. Incontrast, the type 2 isoenzyme is mainly expressed in androgen targettissues, has higher affinity for testosterone, and amplifies theandrogenic effects of testosterone by converting it into DHT.

Androgen deprivation can decrease the obstructive symptoms of BPH.Moreover, current clinical evidence indicates that inhibition of5α-reductase reverses the symptoms of BPH in human males (Strauch, G. etal., Eur. Urol., Vol. 26, pp. 247-252 (1994); Rhodes, L. et al.,Prostate, Vol. 22, pp. 43-51 (1993)). Further, 5α-reductase activityappears to be higher in cells obtained from BPH tissue than from normalprostate tissue. (Bone, K., The European Journal of Herbal Medicine,Vol. 4(1), pp. 15-24 (1998)).

Knowledge of how 5α-reductase regulates prostate growth has resulted inthe development of drugs, such as the 5α-reductase type 2 selectiveinhibitor finasteride, for use in controlling the symptoms of BPH and inpreventing urinary retention. Finasteride (PROSCAR) blocks theconversion of testosterone to DHT and has been found to reduce the sizeof the prostate, leading to an increase in peak urinary flow rate and areduction in symptoms (Strauch et al. 1994; Rhodes et al. 1993; Russelet al (1994), Annu. Rev. Biochem. 63: 25-61).

Patients diagnosed with BPH generally have several options fortreatment, including watchful waiting, surgical intervention, laserassisted prostatectomy, thermal therapies, and drug therapy. Watchfulwaiting is often chosen by men who are not or minimally bothered by thesymptoms of BPH, and it includes regular checkups and monitoring to seeif the condition remains tolerable. Surgical intervention is thecurrently accepted treatment for BPH and is generally reserved forpatients with intolerable symptoms or those with significant potentialsymptoms if treatment is withheld. Currently, of the patients sufferingfrom BPH, only a very small fraction (2-3%) is being treated by surgery.Surgical therapy includes including transurethral resection of theprostate (TURP), transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), and opensurgery. Surgical procedures, while effective in relieving the symptomsof BPH, result in substantial damage being inflicted upon the prostaticurethra. Laser assisted prostatectomy and heat ablation therapies, whileless invasive, also cause substantial damage to the prostatic urethra.As well, surgical treatment of BPH is estimated to cost over a billiondollars per year, with the expectation that these costs will rise as theaged male population increases.

Drugs useful for the treatment of BPH are designed to treat prostateenlargement, which characterizes BPH, by shrinking the prostate or byinhibiting or slowing the growth of prostate cells. Finasteride(Proscar®, Merck) is one such therapy which is indicated for thetreatment of symptomatic BPH. Finasteride is a competitive inhibitor ofthe enzyme 5α-reductase type 2, which is responsible for the conversionof testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in the prostate gland. Otherdrugs are designed to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neckto relieve urethral obstruction. Terazosin (Hytrin, Abbott) is anadrenergic receptor blocking agent (α 1-AR blockers) which acts bydecreasing the smooth muscle tone within the prostate gland, urethro andbladder.

BPH, if left unabated, can have dire health consequences. BPH can leadto acute urinary retention (complete inability to urinate), serious lifethreatening urinary tract infections and urosepsis and permanent bladderand kidney damage. Innovative approaches are urgently needed at both thebasic science and clinical levels to treat BPH. The development of newnon-invasive therapeutic approaches could result in a substantialincrease in the number of BPH patients who elect to receive therapy. Thepresent invention is directed to satisfying this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, this invention relates to a method of treating a malesubject suffering from benign prostate hyperplasia, comprising the stepof administering to the subject a selective androgen receptor modulator(SARM) and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, or any combination thereof.

In another embodiment, this invention relates to a method of preventing,suppressing, inhibiting or reducing the incidence of benign prostatehyperplasia in a male subject, comprising the step of administering tothe subject a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) and/or itsanalog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, or any combinationthereof.

In another embodiment, this invention relates to a method of treating asubject suffering from hair loss, comprising the step of administeringto said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a 5-α reductaseenzyme inhibitor, wherein said inhibitor is a selective androgenreceptor modulator (SARM) and/or its analog, derivative, isomer,metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,hydrate, N-oxide, or any combination thereof.

This invention further relates to a method of inhibiting a 5-α reductaseenzyme, comprising contacting the enzyme with an effective 5-α reductaseinhibitory amount of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM)and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, or anycombination thereof.

In one embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor, is acompound represented by the structure of formula

wherein

-   -   G is O or S;    -   X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, NO or NR;    -   T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR    -   Z is NO₂, CN, COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR;    -   Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CN, C(R)₃ or Sn(R)₃;    -   Q is alkyl, halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃,        NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃,        NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R,        SR; or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached        is a fused ring system represented by structure A, B or C:

-   -   R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂,        CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH; and    -   R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula II.

wherein

-   -   X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, NO or NR;    -   Z is NO₂, CN, COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR;    -   Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CN, C(R)₃ or Sn(R)₃;    -   Q is alkyl, halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃,        NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃,        NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R,        SR; or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached        is a fused ring system represented by structure A, B or C:

-   -   R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂,        CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH.

In another embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula III.

wherein

-   -   X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, NO or NR;    -   G is O or S;    -   R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;    -   T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;    -   R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂,        CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;    -   A is a ring selected from:

-   -   B is a ring selected from:

wherein

-   -   A and B cannot simultaneously be a benzene ring;    -   Z is NO₂, CN, COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR;    -   Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CN, C(R)₃ or Sn(R)₃;    -   Q₁ and Q₂ are independently of each other a hydrogen, alkyl,        halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR,        NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR,        NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R, SR,

-   -   Q₃ and Q₄ are independently of each other a hydrogen, alkyl,        halogen, OF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR,        NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHOSCH₃, NHOSOF₃, NHCSR,        NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;    -   W₁ is O, NH, NR, NO or S; and    -   W₂ is N or NO.

In another embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula IV.

wherein

-   -   X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, NO or NR;    -   G is O or S;    -   T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;    -   R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂,        CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;    -   R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;    -   R₂ is F, Cl, Br, I, CH₃, OF₃, OH, ON, NO₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃,        NHCOR, alkyl, arylalkyl, OR, NH₂, NHR, N(R)₂, SR;    -   R₃ is F, Cl, Br, I, ON, NO₂, COR, COOH, CONHR, OF₃, SnR₃, or R₃        together with the benzene ring to which it is attached forms a        fused ring system represented by the structure:

-   -   Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH, or CONHR;    -   Y is CF₃, F, Br, Cl, I, CN, or Sn(R)₃;    -   Q is H, alkyl, halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃,        NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃,        NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OH, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R,        SO₂R, SR; or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is        attached is a fused ring system represented by structure A, B or        C:

-   -   n is an integer of 1-4; and    -   m is an integer of 1-3.

In another embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula V.

wherein

-   -   R₂ is F, Cl, Br, I, CH₃, CF₃, OH, CN, NO₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃,        NHCOR, alkyl, arylalkyl, OR, NH₂, NHR, N(R)₂, SR;    -   R₃ is F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO₂, COR, COOH, CONHR, CF₃, SnR₃, or R₃        together with the benzene ring to which it is attached forms a        fused ring system represented by the structure:

-   -   R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂,        CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;    -   Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH, or CONHR;    -   Y is CF₃, F, Br, Cl, I, CN, or SnR₃;    -   Q is H, alkyl, halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃,        NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃,        NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OH, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R,        SO₂R, SR; or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is        attached is a fused ring system represented by structure A, B or        C:

-   -   n is an integer of 1-4; and    -   m is an integer of 1-3.

In another embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula VI.

In another embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula VII.

In one embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula VIII.

In one embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula IX.

In another embodiment, the SARM is an androgen receptor agonist. Inanother embodiment, the SARM is an androgen receptor antagonist. Inanother embodiment, the SARM is an inhibitor of 5α-reductase enzyme. Inanother embodiment, the SARM is a competitive inhibitor of 5α-reductaseenzyme.

In one embodiment, the 5-α reductase enzyme is a type 1 5-α reductaseenzyme. In another embodiment, the 5-α reductase enzyme is a type 2 5-αreductase enzyme. In another embodiment, the 5-α reductase enzyme is atestosterone 5-α reductase enzyme, i.e. the enzyme which convertstestosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

This invention provides in one embodiment a method of blocking theability of DHT to induce hyperplasia comprising contacting the AndrogenReceptor with any one or more of Compound I-IX or a compositioncomprising any one or more of Compound I-IX, thereby blocking theability of DHT to induce hyperplasia. In one embodiment, the compound isCompound VII. In another embodiment, the compound is Compound VI.

This invention provides in one embodiment a method of blocking theability of DHT to induce hyperplasia comprising contacting the AndrogenReceptor with any one or more of Compound I-IX or a compositioncomprising any one or more of Compound I-IX, thereby blocking theability of DHT to induce hyperplasia. In one embodiment, the compound isCompound VII. In another embodiment, the compound is Compound VI.

In one embodiment, Compound I-IX is a partial agonist and selectiveagonist that upon contact with the Androgen Receptor or byadministration in a subject prevents mitogenic action of Testosteroneand DHT by blocking the ability of endogenous ligands to bind to thereceptor. In one embodiment, the compound is Compound VII. In anotherembodiment, the compound is Compound VI.

In one embodiment, the Compound I-IX prevents recruitment ofco-activators or co-regulators of androgen-responsive DNA and preventsgrowth of AR-dependent cells (such as glandular epithelium in prostate).In one embodiment, the compound is Compound VII. In another embodiment,the compound is Compound VI.

In one embodiment, the Compound I-IX prevents recruiting co-repressorsof androgen-responsive DNA and prevents growth of AR-dependent cells(such as glandular epithelium in prostate). In one embodiment, thecompound is Compound VII. In another embodiment, the compound isCompound VI.

In one embodiment, the Compound I-IX prevents mitogenic action ofTestosterone and DHT by blocking the ability of endogenous ligands tobind the receptor and induces the transcription of other hormones andgrowth factors which signal in a paracrine fashion to induceproliferation of prostate epithelium. In one embodiment, the compound isCompound VII. In another embodiment, the compound is Compound VI.

In one embodiment, the Compound I-IX prevents mitogenic action ofTestosterone and DHT by blocking the ability of endogenous ligands tobind the receptor and induce downstream molecular signaling which induceprogrammed cell death of glandular epithelium. In one embodiment, thecompound is Compound VII. In another embodiment, the compound isCompound VI.

The present invention provides a safe and effective method of treating,preventing, suppressing, inhibiting or reducing the incidence of BPH andis particularly useful in treating male subjects suffering from symptomsand signs of BPH.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Effects of Compound VI, a SARM, on the metabolism oftestosterone by type 1 and type 2 5•-reductase (n=3). Data werenormalized to the UV absorbance readings obtained from a •-galactosidaseassay.

FIG. 2. Effects of Compound VI on the size of prostate of seminalvesicles and levator ani muscle in rats of varying hormonal status.

FIG. 3. Pharmacological effects of hydroxy-flutamide, Compound VII andfinasteride on the ventral prostate weights in intact male rats afterdifferent treatment periods (n=5).

FIG. 4. Pharmacological effects of hydroxy-flutamide, Compound VII andfinasteride on the seminal vesicle weights in intact male rats afterdifferent treatment periods (n=5).

FIG. 5. Pharmacological effects of hydroxy-flutamide, Compound VII andfinasteride on the levator ani muscle weights in intact male rats afterdifferent treatment periods (n=5).

FIG. 6. Compound VII reduces prostate in intact Sprague-Dawley rats.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, this invention provides a method of treating,preventing, suppressing, inhibiting or reducing the incidence of benignprostate hyperplasia in a male subject, by administering to the subjecta selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). In another embodiment,the method includes administering an analog of the SARM. In anotherembodiment, the method includes administering a derivative of the SARM.In another embodiment, the method includes administering an isomer ofthe SARM. In another embodiment, the method includes administering ametabolite of the SARM. In another embodiment, the method includesadministering a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the SARM. In anotherembodiment, the method includes administering a hydrate of the SARM. Inanother embodiment, the method includes administering an N-oxide of theSARM. In another embodiment, the method includes administering apharmaceutical product of the SARM.

This invention provides in one embodiment a method of blocking theability of DHT to induce hyperplasia comprising contacting the AndrogenReceptor with any one or more of Compound I-IX or a compositioncomprising any one or more of Compound I-IX, thereby blocking theability of DHT to induce hyperplasia. In one embodiment, the compound isCompound VII. In another embodiment, the compound is Compound VI.

This invention provides in one embodiment a method of blocking theability of DHT to induce hyperplasia comprising contacting the AndrogenReceptor with any one or more of Compound I-IX or a compositioncomprising any one or more of Compound I-IX, thereby blocking theability of DHT to induce hyperplasia. In one embodiment, the compound isCompound VII. In another embodiment, the compound is Compound VI.

In one embodiment, Compound I-IX is a partial agonist and selectiveagonist that upon contact with the Androgen Receptor or byadministration in a subject prevents mitogenic action of Testosteroneand DHT by blocking the ability of endogenous ligands to bind to thereceptor. In one embodiment, the compound is Compound VII. In anotherembodiment, the compound is Compound VI.

In one embodiment, the Compound I-IX prevents recruitment ofco-activators or co-regulators of androgen-responsive DNA and preventsgrowth of AR-dependent cells (such as glandular epithelium in prostate).In one embodiment, the compound is Compound VII. In another embodiment,the compound is Compound VI.

In one embodiment, the Compound I-IX prevents recruiting co-repressorsof androgen-responsive DNA and prevents growth of AR-dependent cells(such as glandular epithelium in prostate). In one embodiment, thecompound is Compound VII. In another embodiment, the compound isCompound VI.

In one embodiment, the Compound I-IX prevents mitogenic action ofTestosterone and DHT by blocking the ability of endogenous ligands tobind the receptor and induces the transcription of other hormones andgrowth factors which signal in a paracrine fashion to induceproliferation of prostate epithelium. In one embodiment, the compound isCompound VII. In another embodiment, the compound is Compound VI.

In one embodiment, the Compound I-IX prevents mitogenic action ofTestosterone and DHT by blocking the ability of endogenous ligands tobind the receptor and induce downstream molecular signaling which induceprogrammed cell death of glandular epithelium. In one embodiment, thecompound is Compound VII. In another embodiment, the compound isCompound VI.

In one embodiment, Compounds I-IX is a selective agonist in muscle and apartial agonist in prostate. Androgen action is mediated through theAndrogen Receptor (AR). AR is a ligand-dependent transcription factorthat controls the expression of androgen-response genes by binding toandrogen-response elements in DNA. Androgen-responsive genes areresponsible for androgen-dependent proliferation and alsoandrogen-dependent cell death. Also, other genes in cellular signalingcascades contribute to cellular proliferation or repression by signalingthrough the AR and in sequence with AR (upregulated by interaction withAR-dependent DNA, however, are mitogenic through alternative receptorinvolved in cellular proliferation (i.e. IGF-I). Prostate is anandrogen-sensitive tissue; thus Testosterone and DHT maintain normalstructural and functional integrity of prostate (via AR). However, T andDHT are also potent mitogens in prostate and can lead to abnormal growthof AR-dependent cells (such as prostatic glandular epithelial cells)with the ultimate consequence being prostatic disease like BPH andcancer. Depletion of the androgenic support by castration or inhibitionof endogenous ligands for AR (such as partial agonists such as CompoundI-IX) prevents the metabolic changes dependent on Testosterone and DHT.

In another embodiment, this invention also provides a method of treatinga subject suffering from hair loss, comprising the step of administeringto the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a 5-α reductasetype 1 and/or type 2 enzyme inhibitor, wherein the inhibitor is aselective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). In another embodiment, themethod includes administering an analog of the SARM. In anotherembodiment, the method includes administering a derivative of the SARM.In another embodiment, the method includes administering an isomer ofthe SARM. In another embodiment, the method includes administering ametabolite of the SARM. In another embodiment, the method includesadministering a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the SARM. In anotherembodiment, the method includes administering a hydrate of the SARM. Inanother embodiment, the method includes administering an N-oxide of theSARM.

In another embodiment, this invention also provides a method ofinhibiting a 5-α reductase type 1 and/or type 2 enzyme, comprisingcontacting the enzyme with an effective 5-α reductase inhibitory amountof a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). In anotherembodiment, the method includes administering an analog of the SARM. Inanother embodiment, the method includes administering a derivative ofthe SARM. In another embodiment, the method includes administering anisomer of the SARM. In another embodiment, the method includesadministering a metabolite of the SARM. In another embodiment, themethod includes administering a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of theSARM. In another embodiment, the method includes administering a hydrateof the SARM. In another embodiment, the method includes administering anN-oxide of the SARM.

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are a class of androgenreceptor targeting agents (ARTA), which demonstrate androgenic andanabolic activity of a nonsteroidal ligand for the androgen receptor.These novel agents are useful in males and females for the treatment ofa variety of hormone-related conditions, such as hypogonadism,sarcopenia, erythropoiesis, erectile dysfunction, lack of libido,osteoporesis and infertility. Further, SARMs are useful for oraltestosterone replacement therapy, treating prostate cancer, imagingprostate cancer, and maintaining sexual desire in women.

In one embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula I.

wherein

-   -   G is O or S;    -   X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, NO or NR;    -   T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR    -   Z is NO₂, CN, COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR;    -   Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CN, C(R)₃ or Sn(R)₃;    -   Q is alkyl, halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃,        NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃,        NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R,        SR; or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached        is a fused ring system represented by structure A, B or C:

-   -   R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂,        CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH; and    -   R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃.

In one embodiment, the SARM is an analog of the compound of formula I.In another embodiment, the SARM is a derivative of the compound offormula I. In another embodiment, the SARM is an isomer of the compoundof formula I. In another embodiment, the SARM is a metabolite of thecompound of formula I. In another embodiment, the SARM is apharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula I. Inanother embodiment, the SARM is a pharmaceutical product of the compoundof formula I. In another embodiment, the SARM is a hydrate of thecompound of formula I. In another embodiment, the SARM is an N-oxide ofthe compound of formula I. In another embodiment, the SARM is acombination of any of an analog, derivative, metabolite, isomer,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate orN-oxide of the compound of formula I.

In one embodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formula I whereinX is O. In one embodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formula Iwherein G is O. In another embodiment, the SARM compound is a compoundof formula I wherein Z is NO₂. In another embodiment, the SARM compoundis a compound of formula I wherein Z is CN. In another embodiment, theSARM compound is a compound of formula I wherein Y is CF₃. In anotherembodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formula I wherein Q isNHCOCH₃. In another embodiment, the SARM compound is a compound offormula I wherein Q is F. In another embodiment, the SARM compound is acompound of formula I wherein T is OH. In another embodiment, the SARMcompound is a compound of formula I wherein R₁ is CH₃.

In another embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula II.

wherein

-   -   X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, NO or NR;    -   Z is NO₂, CN, COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR;    -   Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CN, C(R)₃ or Sn(R)₃;    -   Q is alkyl, halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃,        NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃,        NHCSCF₃, NHCSR NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R, SR;        or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a        fused ring system represented by structure A, B or C:

-   -   R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂,        CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH.

In one embodiment, the SARM is an analog of the compound of formula II.In another embodiment, the SARM is a derivative of the compound offormula II. In another embodiment, the SARM is an isomer of the compoundof formula II. In another embodiment, the SARM is a metabolite of thecompound of formula II. In another embodiment, the SARM is apharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula II. Inanother embodiment, the SARM is a pharmaceutical product of the compoundof formula II. In another embodiment, the SARM is a hydrate of thecompound of formula II.

In another embodiment, the SARM is an N-oxide of the compound of formulaII. In another embodiment, the SARM is a combination of any of ananalog, derivative, metabolite, isomer, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate or N-oxide of the compound offormula II.

In one embodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formula II whereinX is O. In another embodiment, the SARM compound is a compound offormula II wherein Z is NO₂. In another embodiment, the SARM compound isa compound of formula II wherein Z is CN. In another embodiment, theSARM compound is a compound of formula II wherein Y is CF₃. In anotherembodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formula II wherein Q isNHCOCH₃. In another embodiment, the SARM compound is a compound offormula II wherein Q is F.

In another embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula III.

wherein

-   -   X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, NO or NR;    -   G is O or S;    -   R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;    -   T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;    -   R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂,        CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;    -   A is a ring selected from:

-   -   B is a ring selected from:

wherein

-   -   A and B cannot simultaneously be a benzene ring;    -   Z is NO₂, CN, COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR;    -   Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CNCR₃ or SnR₃;    -   Q₁ and Q₂ are independently of each other a hydrogen, alkyl,        halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR,        NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR,        NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R, SR,

-   -   Q₃ and Q₄ are independently of each other a hydrogen, alkyl,        halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR,        NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR        NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;    -   W₁ is O, NH, NR, NO or S; and    -   W₂ is N or NO.

In one embodiment, the SARM is an analog of the compound of formula III.In another embodiment, the SARM is a derivative of the compound offormula III. In another embodiment, the SARM is an isomer of thecompound of formula III. In another embodiment, the SARM is a metaboliteof the compound of formula III. In another embodiment, the SARM is apharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula III. Inanother embodiment, the SARM is a pharmaceutical product of the compoundof formula III. In another embodiment, the SARM is a hydrate of thecompound of formula III. In another embodiment, the SARM is an N-oxideof the compound of formula III. In another embodiment, the SARM is acombination of any of an analog, derivative, metabolite, isomer,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate orN-oxide of the compound of formula III.

In one embodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formula IIIwherein X is O. In another embodiment, the SARM compound is a compoundof formula III wherein G is O. In another embodiment, the SARM compoundis a compound of formula I wherein T is OH. In another embodiment, theSARM compound is a compound of formula III wherein R₁ is CH₃. In anotherembodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formula III wherein Z isNO₂. In another embodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formulaIII wherein Z is CN. In another embodiment, the SARM compound is acompound of formula III wherein Y is CF₃. In another embodiment, theSARM compound is a compound of formula III wherein Q₁ is NHCOCH₃. Inanother embodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formula IIIwherein Q₁ is F.

The substituents Z and Y can be in any position of the ring carryingthese substituents (hereinafter “A ring”). In one embodiment, thesubstituent Z is in the para position of the A ring. In anotherembodiment, the substituent Y is in the meta position of the A ring. Inanother embodiment, the substituent Z is in the para position of the Aring and substituent Y is in the meta position of the A ring.

The substituents Q₁ and Q₂ can be in any position of the ring carryingthese substituents (hereinafter “B ring”). In one embodiment, thesubstitutent Q₁ is in the para position of the B ring. In anotherembodiment, the subsituent is Q₂ is H. In another embodiment, thesubstitutent Q₁ is in the para position of the B ring and the subsituentis Q₂ is H. In another embodiment, the substitutent Q₁ is NHCOCH₃ and isin the para position of the B ring, and the substituent is Q₂ is H.

In another embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula IV.

wherein

-   -   X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, NO or NR;    -   G is O or S;    -   T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;    -   R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂,        CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;    -   R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;    -   R₂ is F, Cl, Br, I, CH₃, CF₃, OH, CN, NO₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃,        NHCOR, alkyl, arylalkyl, OR, NH₂, NHR, N(R)₂, SR;    -   R₃ is F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO₂, COR, COOH, CONHR, CF₃, SnR₃, or R₃        together with the benzene ring to which it is attached forms a        fused ring system represented by the structure:

-   -   Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH, or CONHR;    -   Y is CF₃, F, Br, Cl, I, CN, or Sn(R)₃;    -   Q is H, alkyl, halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃,        NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃,        NHCSCF₃, NHCSR NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OH, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R,        SR; or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached        is a fused ring system represented by structure A, B or C:

-   -   n is an integer of 1-4; and    -   m is an integer of 1-3.

In one embodiment, the SARM is an analog of the compound of formula IV.In another embodiment, the SARM is a derivative of the compound offormula IV. In another embodiment, the SARM is an isomer of the compoundof formula IV. In another embodiment, the SARM is a metabolite of thecompound of formula IV. In another embodiment, the SARM is apharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula IV. Inanother embodiment, the SARM is a pharmaceutical product of the compoundof formula IV. In another embodiment, the SARM is a hydrate of thecompound of formula IV. In another embodiment, the SARM is an N-oxide ofthe compound of formula IV. In another embodiment, the SARM is acombination of any of an analog, derivative, metabolite, isomer,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate orN-oxide of the compound of formula IV.

In one embodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formula IV whereinX is O. In another embodiment, the SARM compound is a compound offormula IV wherein G is O. In another embodiment, the SARM compound is acompound of formula IV wherein Z is NO₂. In another embodiment, the SARMcompound is a compound of formula IV wherein Z is CN. In anotherembodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formula IV wherein Y isCF₃. In another embodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formulaIV wherein Q is NHCOCH₃. In another embodiment, the SARM compound is acompound of formula IV wherein Q is F. In another embodiment, the SARMcompound is a compound of formula IV wherein T is OH. In anotherembodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formula IV wherein R₁ isCH₃. In another embodiment, the SARM compound is a compound of formulaIV wherein Q is F and R₂ is CH₃. In another embodiment, the SARMcompound is a compound of formula IV wherein Q is F and R₂ is Cl.

The substituents Z, Y and R₃ can be in any position of the ring carryingthese substituents (hereinafter “A ring”). In one embodiment, thesubstituent Z is in the para position of the A ring. In anotherembodiment, the substituent Y is in the meta position of the A ring. Inanother embodiment, the substituent Z is in the para position of the Aring and substituent Y is in the meta position of the A ring.

The substituents Q and R₂ can be in any position of the ring carryingthese substituents (hereinafter “B ring”). In one embodiment, thesubstitutent Q is in the para position of the B ring. In anotherembodiment, the substitutent Q is in the para position of the B ring. Inanother embodiment, the substitutent Q is NHCOCH₃ and is in the paraposition of the B ring.

As contemplated herein, when the integers m and n are greater than one,the substituents R₂ and R₃ are not limited to one particularsubstituent, and can be any combination of the substituents listedabove.

In another embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula V.

wherein

-   -   R₂ is F, Cl, Br, I, CH₃, CF₃, OH, CN, NO₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃,        NHCOR, alkyl, arylalkyl, OR, NH₂, NHR, N(R)₂, SR;    -   R₃ is F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO₂, COR, COOH, CONHR, CF₃, SnR₃, or R₃        together with the benzene ring to which it is attached forms a        fused ring system represented by the structure:

-   -   R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂,        CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;    -   Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH, or CONHR;    -   Y is CF₃, F, Br, Cl, I, CN, or Sn(R)₃;    -   Q is H, alkyl, halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃,        NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃,        NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OH, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R,        SO₂R, SR; or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is        attached is a fused ring system represented by structure A, B or        C:

-   -   n is an integer of 1-4; and    -   m is an integer of 1-3.

In one embodiment, the SARM is an analog of the compound of formula V.In another embodiment, the SARM is a derivative of the compound offormula V. In another embodiment, the SARM is an isomer of the compoundof formula V. In another embodiment, the SARM is a metabolite of thecompound of formula V. In another embodiment, the SARM is apharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula V. Inanother embodiment, the SARM is a pharmaceutical product of the compoundof formula V. In another embodiment, the SARM is a hydrate of thecompound of formula V. In another embodiment, the SARM is an N-oxide ofthe compound of formula V. In another embodiment, the SARM is acombination of any of an analog, derivative, metabolite, isomer,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate orN-oxide of the compound of formula V.

In another embodiment, the SARM is a compound of formula V wherein Z isNO₂. In another embodiment, the SARM is a compound of formula V whereinZ is CN. In another embodiment, the SARM is a compound of formula Vwherein Y is CF₃. In another embodiment, the SARM is a compound offormula V wherein Q is NHCOCH₃. In another embodiment, the SARM is acompound of formula V wherein Q is F. In another embodiment, the SARM isa compound of formula V wherein Q is F and R₂ is CH₃. In anotherembodiment, the SARM is a compound of formula V wherein Q is F and R₂ isCl.

The substituents Z, Y and R₃ can be in any position of the A ring, andthe substituents Q and R₂ can be in any position of B ring, as discussedabove for compound IV. Furthermore, as discussed above, when theintegers m and n are greater than one, the substituents R₂ and R₃ arenot limited to one particular substituent, and can be any combination ofthe substituents listed above.

In another embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula VI.

In one embodiment, the SARM is an analog of the compound of formula VI.In another embodiment, the SARM is a derivative of the compound offormula VI. In another embodiment, the SARM is an isomer of the compoundof formula VI. In another embodiment, the SARM is a metabolite of thecompound of formula VI. In another embodiment, the SARM is apharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula VI. Inanother embodiment, the SARM is a pharmaceutical product of the compoundof formula VI. In another embodiment, the SARM is a hydrate of thecompound of formula VI. In another embodiment, the SARM is an N-oxide ofthe compound of formula VI. In another embodiment, the SARM is acombination of any of an analog, derivative, metabolite, isomer,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate orN-oxide of the compound of formula VI.

In another embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula VII.

In one embodiment, the SARM is an analog of the compound of formula VII.In another embodiment, the SARM is a derivative of the compound offormula VII. In another embodiment, the SARM is an isomer of thecompound of formula VII. In another embodiment, the SARM is a metaboliteof the compound of formula VII. In another embodiment, the SARM is apharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula VII. Inanother embodiment, the SARM is a pharmaceutical product of the compoundof formula VII. In another embodiment, the SARM is a hydrate of thecompound of formula VII. In another embodiment, the SARM is an N-oxideof the compound of formula VII. In another embodiment, the SARM is acombination of any of an analog, derivative, metabolite, isomer,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate orN-oxide of the compound of formula VII.

In one embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula VIII.

In one embodiment, the SARM is an analog of the compound of formulaVIII. In another embodiment, the SARM is a derivative of the compound offormula VIII. In another embodiment, the SARM is an isomer of thecompound of formula VIII. In another embodiment, the SARM is ametabolite of the compound of formula VIII. In another embodiment, theSARM is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formulaVIII. In another embodiment, the SARM is a pharmaceutical product of thecompound of formula VIII. In another embodiment, the SARM is a hydrateof the compound of formula VIII. In another embodiment, the SARM is anN-oxide of the compound of formula VIII. In another embodiment, the SARMis a combination of any of an analog, derivative, metabolite, isomer,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate orN-oxide of the compound of formula VIII.

In one embodiment, the SARM which: a) treats, prevents, inhibits, orsuppresses BPH; and/or b) treats hair loss; and/or c) inhibits5α-reductase enzyme; and/or d) antagonizes the androgen receptor is acompound represented by the structure of formula IX.

In one embodiment, the SARM is an analog of the compound of formula IX.In another embodiment, the SARM is a derivative of the compound offormula IX. In another embodiment, the SARM is an isomer of the compoundof formula IX. In another embodiment, the SARM is a metabolite of thecompound of formula IX. In another embodiment, the SARM is apharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula IX. Inanother embodiment, the SARM is a pharmaceutical product of the compoundof formula IX. In another embodiment, the SARM is a hydrate of thecompound of formula IX. In another embodiment, the SARM is an N-oxide ofthe compound of formula IX. In another embodiment, the SARM is acombination of any of an analog, derivative, metabolite, isomer,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate orN-oxide of the compound of formula IX.

The substituent R in formulas (I) and (II) is defined herein as analkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CF₂CF₃,aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH.

An “alkyl” group refers to a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon, includingstraight-chain, branched-chain and cyclic alkyl groups. In oneembodiment, the alkyl group has 1-12 carbons. In another embodiment, thealkyl group has 1-7 carbons. In another embodiment, the alkyl group has1-6 carbons. In another embodiment, the alkyl group has 1-4 carbons. Thealkyl group may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more groupsselected from halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy carbonyl, amido, alkylamido,dialkylamido, nitro, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxyl, thio andthioalkyl.

An “alkenyl” group refers to an unsaturated hydrocarbon, includingstraight chain, branched chain and cyclic groups having one or moredouble bond. The alkenyl group may have one double bond, two doublebonds, three double bonds etc. Examples of alkenyl groups are ethenyl,propenyl, butenyl, cyclohexenyl etc. The alkenyl group may beunsubstituted or substituted by one or more groups selected fromhalogen, hydroxy, alkoxy carbonyl, amido, alkylamido, dialkylamido,nitro, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxyl, thio and thioalkyl.

A “haloalkyl” group refers to an alkyl group as defined above, which issubstituted by one or more halogen atoms, e.g. by F, Cl, Br or I.

An “aryl” group refers to an aromatic group having at least onecarbocyclic aromatic group or heterocyclic aromatic group, which may beunsubstituted or substituted by one or more groups selected fromhalogen, haloalkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy carbonyl, amido, alkylamido,dialkylamido, nitro, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxy or thio orthioalkyl. Nonlimiting examples of aryl rings are phenyl, naphthyl,pyranyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl,furanyl, thiophenyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, isoxazolyl, and the like.

A “hydroxyl” group refers to an OH group. An “alkenyl” group refers to agroup having at least one carbon to carbon double bond. A halo grouprefers to F, Cl, Br or I.

An “arylalkyl” group refers to an alkyl bound to an aryl, wherein alkyland aryl are as defined above. An example of an arylalkyl group is abenzyl group.

As contemplated herein, this invention provides a method of treating,preventing, suppressing, inhibiting or reducing the incidence of benignprostate hyperplasia in a male subject, by administering to the subjecta selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). In another embodiment,the method includes administering an analog of said SARM. In anotherembodiment, the method includes administering a derivative of said SARM.In another embodiment, the method includes administering an isomer ofsaid SARM. In another embodiment, the method includes administering ametabolite of said SARM. In another embodiment, the method includesadministering a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said SARM. Inanother embodiment, the method includes administering a hydrate of saidSARM. In another embodiment, the method includes administering anN-oxide of said SARM. In another embodiment, the method includesadministering a pharmaceutical product of said SARM.

As defined herein, the term “isomer” includes, but is not limited tooptical isomers and analogs, structural isomers and analogs,conformational isomers and analogs, and the like.

In one embodiment, this invention encompasses the use of differentoptical isomers of the SARM compound. It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that the SARMs of the present invention contain atleast one chiral center. Accordingly, the SARMs used in the methods ofthe present invention may exist in, and be isolated in, optically-activeor racemic forms. Some compounds may also exhibit polymorphism. It is tobe understood that the present invention encompasses any racemic,optically-active, polymorphic, or stereroisomeric form, or anycombination thereof, which form possesses properties useful in thetreatment of BPH described herein. In one embodiment, the SARMs are thepure (R)-isomers. In another embodiment, the SARMs are the pure(S)-isomers. In another embodiment, the SARMs are a mixture of the (R)and the (S) isomers. In another embodiment, the SARMs are a racemicmixture comprising an equal amount of the (R) and the (S) isomers. It iswell known in the art how to prepare optically-active forms (forexample, by resolution of the racemic form by recrystallizationtechniques, by synthesis from optically-active starting materials, bychiral synthesis, or by chromatographic separation using a chiralstationary phase).

The invention includes pharmaceutically acceptable salts ofamino-substituted compounds with organic and inorganic acids, forexample, citric acid and hydrochloric acid. The invention also includesN-oxides of the amino substituents of the compounds described herein.Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can also be prepared from the phenoliccompounds by treatment with inorganic bases, for example, sodiumhydroxide. Also, esters of the phenolic compounds can be made withaliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids, for example, acetic acid andbenzoic acid esters.

This invention further includes derivatives of the SARM compounds. Theterm “derivative” includes but is not limited to ether derivatives, acidderivatives, amide derivatives, acid derivatives, ester derivatives andthe likes. In addition, this invention further includes hydrates of theSARM compounds. The term “hydrate” includes but is not limited tohemihydrate, monohydrate, dihydrate, trihydrate and the like.

This invention further includes metabolites of the SARM compounds. Theterm “metabolite” means any substance produced from another substance bymetabolism or a metabolic process.

This invention further includes pharmaceutical products of the SARMcompounds. The term “pharmaceutical product” means a compositionsuitable for pharmaceutical use (pharmaceutical composition), as definedherein.

Biological Activity of Selective Androgen Modulator Compounds

As contemplated herein, the SARMs which are useful in preventing andtreating BPH are classified as androgen receptor agonists (AR agonists)or androgen receptor antagonists (AR antagonists).

The AR is a ligand-activated transcriptional regulatory protein thatmediates induction of male sexual development and function through itsactivity with endogenous androgens (male sex hormones). The androgenichormones are steroids which are produced in the body by the testis andthe cortex of the adrenal gland. Androgenic steroids play an importantrole in many physiologic processes, including the development andmaintenance of male sexual characteristics such as muscle and bone mass,prostate growth, spermatogenesis, and the male hair pattern (Matsumoto,Endocrinol. Met. Clin. N. Am. 23:857-75 (1994)). The endogenoussteroidal androgens include testosterone and dihydrotestosterone(“DHT”). Other steroidal androgens include esters of testosterone, suchas the cypionate, propionate, phenylpropionate, cyclopentylpropionate,isocarporate, enanthate, and decanoate esters, and other syntheticandrogens such as 7-Methyl-Nortestosterone (“MENT′”) and its acetateester (Sundaram et al., “7 Alpha-Methyl-Nortestosterone (MENT): TheOptimal Androgen For Male Contraception,” Ann. Med., 25:199-205 (1993)(“Sundaram”)).

A receptor agonist is a substance which binds receptors and activatesthem. A receptor antagonist is a substance which binds receptors andinactivates them. In one embodiment, the SARMs which are useful intreating and preventing BPH are AR agonists, and are, therefore, usefulin binding to and activating the AR. In another embodiment, the SARMswhich are useful in treating and preventing BPH are AR antagonists, andare, therefore, useful in binding to and inactivating the AR. Assays todetermine whether the compounds of the present invention are AR agonistsor antagonists are well known to a person skilled in the art. Forexample, AR agonistic activity can be determined by monitoring theability of the SARM compounds to maintain and/or stimulate the growth ofAR containing tissue such as prostate and seminal vesicles, as measuredby weight. AR antagonistic activity can be determined by monitoring theability of the SARM compounds inhibit the growth of AR containingtissue.

In yet another embodiment, the SARM compounds of the present inventioncan be classified as partial AR agonist/antagonists. The SARMs are ARagonists in some tissues, to cause increased transcription ofAR-responsive genes (e.g. muscle anabolic effect). In other tissues,these compounds serve as competitive inhibitors of testosterone/DHT onthe AR to prevent agonistic effects of the native androgens.

The compounds of the present invention bind either reversibly orirreversibly to the androgen receptor. In one embodiment, the SARMcompounds bind reversibly to the androgen receptor. In anotherembodiment, the SARM compounds bind irreversibly to the androgenreceptor. The compounds of the present invention may contain afunctional group (affinity label) that allows alkylation of the androgenreceptor (i.e. covalent bond formation). Thus, in this case, thecompounds bind irreversibly to the receptor and, accordingly, cannot bedisplaced by a steroid, such as the endogenous ligands DHT andtestosterone.

As demonstrated herein, the SARM compounds of the present invention arepotent inhibitors of a 5-α reductase enzyme. Thus, in one embodiment,this invention provides a method of inhibiting a 5-α reductase enzyme,comprising contacting the enzyme with an effective 5-α reductaseinhibitory amount of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM)and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, or anycombination thereof, as described herein. In one embodiment, the SARMcompound that is shown to be a potent inhibitor of a 5-α reductaseenzyme is a compound of formula I. In another embodiment, the SARMcompound that is shown to be a potent inhibitor of a 5-α reductaseenzyme is a compound of formula II. In another embodiment, the SARMcompound that is shown to be a potent inhibitor of a 5-α reductaseenzyme is a compound of formula III. In another embodiment, the SARMcompound that is shown to be a potent inhibitor of a 5-α reductaseenzyme is a compound of formula IV. In another embodiment, the SARMcompound that is shown to be a potent inhibitor of a 5-α reductaseenzyme is a compound of formula V. In another embodiment, the SARMcompound that is shown to be a potent inhibitor of a 5-α reductaseenzyme is a compound of formula VI. In another embodiment, the SARMcompound that is shown to be a potent inhibitor of a 5-α reductaseenzyme is a compound of formula VII.

In another embodiment, the SARM compound that is shown to be a potentinhibitor of a 5-α reductase enzyme is a compound of formula VIII. Inanother embodiment, the SARM compound that is shown to be a potentinhibitor of a 5-α reductase enzyme is a compound of formula IXI.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the 5-α reductase enzyme isa testosterone 5-α reductase enzyme. A testosterone 5-α reductase enzymeis an enzyme which converts testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone(DHT). DHT, which binds with five-fold greater affinity to the humanandrogen receptor, is thought to be the mediator of androgen effects inmany tissues. DHT causes proliferation of the prostatic tissue, andexcessive DHT levels are accompanied by excessive cellularproliferation, which is in turn accompanied by prostate enlargement. Byinhibition of testosterone 5-α reductase with the SARM compounds of thepresent invention, the formation of DHT could be curtailed and, it ishoped, prostate enlargement can be blocked.

There are two isoforms of 5-α reductase—type 1 isozyme expressedpredominantly in the liver and skin, and type-2 isozyme expressedpredominantly in the prostate. As demonstrated herein, the SARMs of thepresent invention are effective in inhibiting both type 1 and type 2 5-αreductase. Thus, in one embodiment, the SARM compound that is shown tobe a potent inhibitor of 5-α reductase enzyme is potent inhibitor of 5-αreductase enzyme type 1. In another embodiment, the SARM compound thatis shown to be a potent inhibitor of 5-α reductase enzyme is potentinhibitor of 5-α reductase enzyme type 2.

In another embodiment, as demonstrated herein, the SARM compound that isshown to be a potent inhibitor of 5-α reductase enzyme is a competitiveinhibitor of the 5-α reductase enzyme.

As defined herein, “contacting” means that the SARM compound of thepresent invention is introduced into a sample containing the enzyme in atest tube, flask, tissue culture, chip, array, plate, microplate,capillary, or the like, and incubated at a temperature and timesufficient to permit binding of the SARM to the enzyme. Methods forcontacting the samples with the SARM or other specific bindingcomponents are known to those skilled in the art and may be selecteddepending on the type of assay protocol to be run. Incubation methodsare also standard and are known to those skilled in the art.

In another embodiment, the term “contacting” means that the SARMcompound of the present invention is introduced into a subject receivingtreatment, and the SARM compound is allowed to come in contact with theandrogen receptor in-vivo.

As described above, the androgenic hormones such as testosterone and DHTplay an important role in many physiologic processes, including thedevelopment and maintenance of the male hair pattern. As demonstratedherein, inhibition of 5-α reductase inhibitor by the SARM compounds ofthe present invention affects male hair loss. This invention thusprovides a method of treating a subject suffering from hair loss,comprising the step of administering to the subject a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a 5-α reductase inhibitor, wherein said inhibitor isa selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) and/or its analog,derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt,pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, or any combination thereof asdescribed herein.

As used herein, the term “treating” includes disorder remitativetreatment.

This invention provides the use of a composition and a pharmaceuticalcomposition for treating, preventing, suppressing, inhibiting orreducing the incidence of benign prostate hyperplasia in a male subject,the composition comprising a selective androgen receptor modulator(SARM) and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, or any combination thereof as described herein, in apharmaceutical preparation further comprising a suitable carrier ordiluent.

This invention further provides the use of a composition and apharmaceutical composition for treating a subject suffering from hairloss, the composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a5-α reductase inhibitor, wherein the inhibitor is a selective androgenreceptor modulator (SARM) and/or its analog, derivative, isomer,metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,hydrate, N-oxide, or any combination thereof as described herein.

The present invention provides a safe and effective method for treating,preventing, suppressing, inhibiting or reducing BPH and is particularlyuseful for relieving symptoms and signs associated with BPH in a subjectsuffering from BPH. The present invention further provides a safe andeffective method for treating hair loss in a subject suffering from hairloss. In one embodiment, the subject is a mammalian subject. In anotherembodiment, the subject is a human subject. In another embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

As used herein, “pharmaceutical composition” means a “therapeuticallyeffective amount” of the active ingredient, i.e. the SARM compound,together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. A“therapeutically effective amount” as used herein refers to that amountwhich provides a therapeutic effect for a given condition andadministration regimen.

The pharmaceutical compositions containing the SARM agent can beadministered to a subject by any method known to a person skilled in theart, such as parenterally, paracancerally, transmucosally,transdermally, intramuscularly, intravenously, intradermally,subcutaneously, intraperitonealy, intraventricularly, intracranially,intravaginally or intratumorally.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are administeredorally, and are thus formulated in a form suitable for oraladministration, i.e. as a solid or a liquid preparation. Suitable solidoral formulations include tablets, capsules, pills, granules, pelletsand the like. Suitable liquid oral formulations include solutions,suspensions, dispersions, emulstions, oils and the like. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the SARM compounds are formulatedin a capsule. In accordance with this embodiment, the compositions ofthe present invention comprise in addition to the SARM active compoundand the inert carrier or diluent, a hard gelating capsule.

Further, in another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions areadministered by intravenous, intraarterial, or intramuscular injectionof a liquid preparation. Suitable liquid formulations include solutions,suspensions, dispersions, emulsions, oils and the like.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are administeredintravenously, and are thus formulated in a form suitable forintravenous administration. In another embodiment, the pharmaceuticalcompositions are administered intraarterially, and are thus formulatedin a form suitable for intraarterial administration. In anotherembodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are administeredintramuscularly, and are thus formulated in a form suitable forintramuscular administration.

Further, in another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions areadministered topically to body surfaces, and are thus formulated in aform suitable for topical administration. Suitable topical formulationsinclude gels, ointments, creams, lotions, drops and the like. Fortopical administration, the SARM agents or their physiologicallytolerated derivatives such as salts, esters, N-oxides, and the like areprepared and applied as solutions, suspensions, or emulsions in aphysiologically acceptable diluent with or without a pharmaceuticalcarrier.

Further, in another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions areadministered as a suppository, for example a rectal suppository or aurethral suppository. Further, in another embodiment, the pharmaceuticalcompositions are administered by subcutaneous implantation of a pellet.In a further embodiment, the pellet provides for controlled release ofSARM agent over a period of time.

In another embodiment, the active compound can be delivered in avesicle, in particular a liposome (see Langer, Science 249:1527-1533(1990); Treat et al., in Liposomes in the Therapy of Infectious Diseaseand Cancer, Lopez-Berestein and Fidler (eds.), Liss, New York, pp.353-365 (1989); Lopez-Berestein, ibid., pp. 317-327; see generallyibid).

As used herein “pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents” arewell known to those skilled in the art. The carrier or diluent may be asolid carrier or diluent for solid formuations, a liquid carrier ordiluent for liquid formulations, or mixtures thereof.

Solid carriers/diluents include, but are not limited to, a gum, a starch(e.g. corn starch, pregeletanized starch), a sugar (e.g., lactose,mannitol, sucrose, dextrose), a cellulosic material (e.g.microcrystalline cellulose), an acrylate (e.g. polymethylacrylate),calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, talc, or mixtures thereof.

For liquid formulations, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers may beaqueous or non-aqueous solutions, suspensions, emulsions or oils.Examples of non-aqueous solvents are propylene glycol, polyethyleneglycol, and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Aqueouscarriers include water, alcoholic/aqueous solutions, emulsions orsuspensions, including saline and buffered media. Examples of oils arethose of petroleum, animal, vegetable, or synthetic origin, for example,peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, andfish-liver oil.

Parenteral vehicles (for subcutaneous, intravenous, intraarterial, orintramuscular injection) include sodium chloride solution, Ringer'sdextrose, dextrose and sodium chloride, lactated Ringer's and fixedoils. Intravenous vehicles include fluid and nutrient replenishers,electrolyte replenishers such as those based on Ringer's dextrose, andthe like. Examples are sterile liquids such as water and oils, with orwithout the addition of a surfactant and other pharmaceuticallyacceptable adjuvants. In general, water, saline, aqueous dextrose andrelated sugar solutions, and glycols such as propylene glycols orpolyethylene glycol are preferred liquid carriers, particularly forinjectable solutions. Examples of oils are those of petroleum, animal,vegetable, or synthetic origin, for example, peanut oil, soybean oil,mineral oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, and fish-liver oil.

In addition, the compositions may further comprise binders (e.g. acacia,cornstarch, gelatin, carbomer, ethyl cellulose, guar gum, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, povidone), disintegratingagents (e.g. cornstarch, potato starch, alginic acid, silicon dioxide,croscarmelose sodium, crospovidone, guar gum, sodium starch glycolate),buffers (e.g., Tris-HCl., acetate, phosphate) of various pH and ionicstrength, additives such as albumin or gelatin to prevent absorption tosurfaces, detergents (e.g., Tween 20, Tween 80, Pluronic F68, bile acidsalts), protease inhibitors, surfactants (e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate),permeation enhancers, solubilizing agents (e.g., glycerol, polyethyleneglycerol), anti-oxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid, sodium metabisulfite,butylated hydroxyanisole), stabilizers (e.g. hydroxypropyl cellulose,hyroxypropylmethyl cellulose), viscosity increasing agents (e.g.carbomer, colloidal silicon dioxide, ethyl cellulose, guar gum),sweetners (e.g. aspartame, citric acid), preservatives (e.g.,Thimerosal, benzyl alcohol, parabens), lubricants (e.g. stearic acid,magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate),flow-aids (e.g. colloidal silicon dioxide), plasticizers (e.g. diethylphthalate, triethyl citrate), emulsifiers (e.g. carbomer, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate), polymer coatings (e.g., poloxamers orpoloxamines), coating and film forming agents (e.g. ethyl cellulose,acrylates, polymethacrylates) and/or adjuvants.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein arecontrolled release compositions, i.e. compositions in which the SARMcompound is released over a period of time after administration.Controlled or sustained release compositions include formulation inlipophilic depots (e.g. fatty acids, waxes, oils). In anotherembodiment, the composition is an immediate release composition, i.e. acomposition in which all of the SARM compound is released immediatelyafter administration.

In yet another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition can bedelivered in a controlled release system. For example, the agent may beadministered using intravenous infusion, an implantable osmotic pump, atransdermal patch, liposomes, or other modes of administration. In oneembodiment, a pump may be used (see Langer, supra; Sefton, CRC Crit.Ref. Biomed. Eng. 14:201 (1987); Buchwald et al., Surgery 88:507 (1980);Saudek et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 321:574 (1989). In another embodiment,polymeric materials can be used. In yet another embodiment, a controlledrelease system can be placed in proximity to the therapeutic target,i.e., the brain, thus requiring only a fraction of the systemic dose(see, e.g., Goodson, in Medical Applications of Controlled Release,supra, vol. 2, pp. 115-138 (1984). Other controlled release systems arediscussed in the review by Langer (Science 249:1527-1533 (1990).

The compositions may also include incorporation of the active materialinto or onto particulate preparations of polymeric compounds such aspolylactic acid, polglycolic acid, hydrogels, etc, or onto liposomes,microemulsions, micelles, unilamellar or multilamellar vesicles,erythrocyte ghosts, or spheroplasts.) Such compositions will influencethe physical state, solubility, stability, rate of in vivo release, andrate of in vivo clearance.

Also comprehended by the invention are particulate compositions coatedwith polymers (e.g. poloxamers or poloxamines) and the compound coupledto antibodies directed against tissue-specific receptors, ligands orantigens or coupled to ligands of tissue-specific receptors.

Also comprehended by the invention are compounds modified by thecovalent attachment of water-soluble polymers such as polyethyleneglycol, copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol,carboxymethyl cellulose, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol,polyvinylpyrrolidone or polyproline. The modified compounds are known toexhibit substantially longer half-lives in blood following intravenousinjection than do the corresponding unmodified compounds (Abuchowski etal., 1981; Newmark et al., 1982; and Katre et al., 1987). Suchmodifications may also increase the compound's solubility in aqueoussolution, eliminate aggregation, enhance the physical and chemicalstability of the compound, and greatly reduce the immunogenicity andreactivity of the compound. As a result, the desired in vivo biologicalactivity may be achieved by the administration of such polymer-compoundabducts less frequently or in lower doses than with the unmodifiedcompound.

The preparation of pharmaceutical compositions which contain an activecomponent is well understood in the art, for example by mixing,granulating, or tablet-forming processes. The active therapeuticingredient is often mixed with excipients which are pharmaceuticallyacceptable and compatible with the active ingredient. For oraladministration, the SARM agents or their physiologically toleratedderivatives such as salts, esters, N-oxides, and the like are mixed withadditives customary for this purpose, such as vehicles, stabilizers, orinert diluents, and converted by customary methods into suitable formsfor administration, such as tablets, coated tablets, hard or softgelatin capsules, aqueous, alcoholic or oily solutions. For parenteraladministration, the SARM agents or their physiologically toleratedderivatives such as salts, esters, N-oxides, and the like are convertedinto a solution, suspension, or emulsion, if desired with the substancescustomary and suitable for this purpose, for example, solubilizers orother.

An active component can be formulated into the composition asneutralized pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms. Pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts include the acid addition salts (formed with the freeamino groups of the polypeptide or antibody molecule), which are formedwith inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric or phosphoricacids, or such organic acids as acetic, oxalic, tartaric, mandelic, andthe like. Salts formed from the free carboxyl groups can also be derivedfrom inorganic bases such as, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium,calcium, or ferric hydroxides, and such organic bases as isopropylamine,trimethylamine, 2-ethylamino ethanol, histidine, procaine, and the like.

For use in medicine, the salts of the SARM will be pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts. Other salts may, however, be useful in the preparationof the compounds according to the invention or of their pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts of thecompounds of this invention include acid addition salts which may, forexample, be formed by mixing a solution of the compound according to theinvention with a solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid such ashydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, methanesulphonic acid, fumaric acid,maleic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, benzoic: acid, oxalic acid,citric acid, tartaric acid, carbonic acid or phosphoric acid.

As defined herein, “contacting” means that the SARM compound of thepresent invention is introduced into a sample containing the enzyme in atest tube, flask, tissue culture, chip, array, plate, microplate,capillary, or the like, and incubated at a temperature and timesufficient to permit binding of the SARM to the enzyme. Methods forcontacting the samples with the SARM or other specific bindingcomponents are known to those skilled in the art and may be selecteddepending on the type of assay protocol to be run. Incubation methodsare also standard and are known to those skilled in the art.

In another embodiment, the term “contacting” means that the SARMcompound of the present invention is introduced into a subject receivingtreatment, and the SARM compound is allowed to come in contact with theandrogen receptor in vivo.

As used herein, the term “treating” includes preventative as well asdisorder remitative treatment. As used herein, the terms “reducing”,“suppressing” and “inhibiting” have their commonly understood meaning oflessening or decreasing. As used herein, the term “progression” meansincreasing in scope or severity, advancing, growing or becoming worse.As used herein, the term “recurrence” means the return of a diseaseafter a remission.

As used herein, the term “administering” refers to bringing a subject incontact with a SARM compound of the present invention. As used herein,administration can be accomplished in vitro, i.e. in a test tube, or invivo, i.e. in cells or tissues of living organisms, for example humans.In one embodiment, the present invention encompasses administering thecompounds of the present invention to a subject.

In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a SARM compound as the sole active ingredient. However,also encompassed within the scope of the present invention are methodsor treating BPH as disclosed herein, which comprise administering theSARM compounds in combination with one or more therapeutic agents. Theseagents include, but are not limited to: LHRH analogs, reversibleantiandrogens, antiestrogens, anticancer drugs, 5-alpha reductaseinhibitors, aromatase inhibitors, progestins, or agents acting throughother nuclear hormone receptors.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides compositions andpharmaceutical compositions comprising a selective androgen receptormodulator compound, in combination with an LHRH analog. In anotherembodiment, the present invention provides compositions andpharmaceutical compositions comprising a selective androgen receptormodulator compound, in combination with a reversible antiandrogen. Inanother embodiment, the present invention provides compositions andpharmaceutical compositions comprising a selective androgen receptormodulator compound, in combination with an antiestrogen. In anotherembodiment, the present invention provides compositions andpharmaceutical compositions comprising a selective androgen receptormodulator compound, in combination with an anticancer drug. In anotherembodiment, the present invention provides compositions andpharmaceutical compositions comprising a selective androgen receptormodulator compound, in combination with a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.In another embodiment, the present invention provides compositions andpharmaceutical compositions comprising a selective androgen receptormodulator compound, in combination with an aromatase inhibitor. Inanother embodiment, the present invention provides compositions andpharmaceutical compositions comprising a selective androgen receptormodulator compound, in combination with a progestin. In anotherembodiment, the present invention provides compositions andpharmaceutical compositions comprising a selective androgen receptormodulator compound, in combination with an agent acting through othernuclear hormone receptors.

The following examples are presented in order to more fully illustratethe preferred embodiments of the invention. They should in no way,however, be construed as limiting the broad scope of the invention.

EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS SECTION Example 1 Interaction Between Compound VIand Human 5α-Reductase

Testosterone can be reduced by the enzyme 5•-reductase todihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT binds with five-fold greater affinity tothe human androgen receptor and is thought to be the mediator ofandrogen effects in many tissues. Since Compound VI mimics the effectsof testosterone in many in vitro and in vivo systems, Compound VI wastested to determine whether it interacts with 5α-reductase. This study(1) determined if Compound VI is a substrate for 5α-reductase, and (2)determined if Compound VI has any effects on the conversion oftestosterone to DHT via 5α-reductase.

Methods: COS1 (American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va.) cellswere plated in twelve-well plates at a density of 60,000 cells/well andtransiently transfected with expression vectors for human 5•-reductase(obtained from Dr. David W. Russell, Southwestern Medical Center,Dallas, Tex.). LipofectAMINE PLUS™ Reagent (Invitrogen, Carlsbad,Calif.) was used for transfection. pCMV•SPORT-•gal plasmid (Invitrogen,Carlsbad, Calif.) was co-transfected to monitor transfection efficiency.Forty-eight hours after transfection, testosterone (4 μM) and/orCompound VI (2 or 200 μM) were added to the medium and incubated at 37°C. Aliquots of the culture medium were removed after 2 hours and thereaction stopped by addition of ice-cold acetonitrile (1:1, vol:vol).Testosterone and Compound VI concentrations in the incubate weredetermined by HPLC using a reversed-phase column (μBondaPak C18, 3.9×300mm, Waters Corporation, Milford, Mass.) and a mobile phase of 38%acetonitrile in deionized water at a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. Analyteswere detected by UV absorbance at 254 nm. Calibration curves wereprepared using the peak areas to calculate the concentration oftestosterone or Compound VI in the incubate at the completion of thereaction. Cells were lysed after the reaction and the cellularsupernatant used to determine •-galactosidase activity and ensure equaltransfection efficiency between wells.

Results: Incubation of Compound VI (2 μM) with 5α-reductase type 1 ortype 2 showed that it is not metabolized by this enzyme (FIG. 1). Theconcentration of Compound VI was unchanged over the 2-hour incubationperiod, indicating that Compound VI is not a substrate for theseenzymes. Testosterone (4 μM) was rapidly converted to DHT when incubatedwith 5α-reductase type 1 or type 2, decreasing by 34% and 35%,respectively, in the presence of these enzymes. The conversion oftestosterone to DHT was inhibited by the presence of Compound VI, withless than 10% decreases in testosterone concentration being observed inthe presence of Compound VI (2•M or 200 •M). These data demonstrate thatCompound VI is a competitive inhibitor of 5α-reductase type 1 and type2, thus having inhibitory effects of Compound VI on prostate and seminalvesicle weight previously observed by Applicants in intact andhemi-orchidectomized animals.

Compound VI is not a substrate but acts as a competitive inhibitor of5α-reductase type 1 and type 2.

Example 2 Pharmacologic Activity and Tissue Selectivity of Compound VIin Rats of Varying Hormonal Status

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have a wide variety ofpotential therapeutic applications, including male hypogonadism,osteoporosis, muscle-wasting diseases, sexual libido and contraception.Previous studies by Applicants demonstrated that Compound VI is a potentand efficacious selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) incastrated male rats. Applicants completed a preclinical study to comparethe pharmacologic effects and tissue-selectivity of Compound VI andtestosterone propionate (TP) in male rats of varying hormonal status.Male rats with normal testicular function (i.e., intact with no surgicalmanipulation) were included to examine the effects of Compound VI onanimals with normal blood levels of testosterone. Male rats thatreceived unilateral orchidectomy (i.e., surgical removal of one testis)were included to examine the effects of Compound VI on animals withslight androgen depletion. Male rats that received bilateralorchidectomy (i.e., surgical removal of both testes) were included toexamine the effects of Compound VI on androgen-deficient animals.

Methods: Compound VI was synthesized and characterized in the laboratoryof Dr. Duane Miller at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tenn. MaleSprague-Dawley rats were purchased from Harlan Biosciences(Indianapolis, Ind.). The animals were maintained on a 12-h cycle oflight and dark with food and water available ad libitum. All animalstudies were reviewed and approved by the Animal Care and Use Committeeof The Ohio State University, and conformed to the Principles ofLaboratory Animal Care.

Immature male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 187 to 214 were randomlydistributed into 9 groups of 5 animals. One day before the initiation ofdrug treatment, groups 4 through 6 and groups 7 through 9 receivedunilateral or bilateral orchidectomy, respectively, via a midlinescrotal incision. Groups 1 through 3 did not undergo surgery. All drugsgiven to animals were freshly prepared as solutions in polyethyleneglycol 300 (PEG 300). Groups 4 and 7 received treatment with vehiclealone (i.e., PEG 300). Animals in groups 3, 6, and 9 receivedtestosterone propionate (TP, 0.5 mg/day) via implantation of subdermalosmotic pumps (Model 2002, Durect Corporation, Palo Alto, Calif.).Animals in groups 2, 5, and 8 received Compound VI (0.5 mg/day) viaimplantation of subdermal osmotic pumps. After 14 days of drugtreatment, rats were weighed, anesthetized, and sacrificed. Bloodsamples were collected by venipuncture of the abdominal aorta. Plasmasamples were analyzed for testosterone, FSH, LH and osteocalcin.Testosterone concentrations were measured by AniLytics Inc.(Gaithersburg, Md.). FSH and LH levels were measured by the NationalHormone and Peptide Program (Dr. A F Parlow, UCLA, CA). Plasmaosteocalcin levels were determined using a commercially available ratosteocalcin EIA kit from Biomedical Technologies Inc. (Stoughton,Mass.). The ventral prostates, seminal vesicles, and levator ani musclewere removed and weighed. Osmotic pumps were also removed from animalsto check for correct pump operation. The weights of all organs werenormalized to body weight, and analyzed for any statisticallysignificant differences between groups using single-factor ANOVA withthe alpha value set a priori at p<0.05. The weights of prostates andseminal vesicles were used as indices for evaluation of androgenicactivity, and the levator ani muscle weight was used to evaluate theanabolic activity. Statistical analyses of parameters from completeblood count or serum chemical profiling, wherever applicable, wereperformed by single-factor ANOVA with the alpha value set a priori atp<0.05.

Results: Plasma testosterone levels were significantly lower incastrated rats, regardless of the treatment group (Table 1 below).Unilateral orchidectomy led to a slight but statistically insignificantdecrease in plasma testosterone concentrations. Castrated male rats thatreceived exogenous TP (0.5 mg/day) had higher plasma testosterone levelsthan vehicle-treated and Compound VI treated controls. However, therewere no significant differences in plasma testosterone levels betweenhemi-orchidectomized animals in any of the treatment groups. Compound VItreatment did not affect testosterone levels in intact,hemi-orchidectomized or castrated male rats, demonstrating that CompoundVI has little to no effect on endogenous androgen production atpharmacologically relevant doses.

TABLE 1 Plasma testosterone levels (ng/ml) in different treatment groups(n = 5). Compound VI Control (0.5 mg/day) TP (0.5 mg/day) Intact 2.674 ±1.476 1.830 ± 0.510 1.482 ± 0.416 Hemi-orchi- 1.740 ± 1.049 1.404 ±0.810 2.366 ± 1.232 dectomized Castrated 0.036 ± 0.075 † ‡ 0.066 ± 0.148† ‡ 0.258 ± 0.103 * † ‡ * p < 0.05 compared to control group. † p < 0.05compared to intact group. ‡ p < 0.05 compared to hemi-orchidectomizedgroup.

Plasma FSH and LH levels (Table 2 and 3 on next page) significantlyincreased in animals that received bilateral orchidectomy (i.e.,castrated controls). Plasma FSH levels and LH levels inhemi-orchidectomized animals were not significantly different thanintact animals, corroborating the observation that unilateralorchidectomy had no effect on plasma testosterone levels or thepituitary hormones that regulate it. Treatment with TP caused asignificant decrease in FSH and LH levels in castrated male rats,indicating that TP suppresses pituitary hormone production. However,Compound VI had no effect on plasma FSH and LH levels. These dataindicate that Compound VI has no effect on pituitary hormone productionand is therefore advantageous to TP for use in intact animals. Nosignificant differences in FSH or LH levels were observed in intact orhemi-orchidectomized animals.

TABLE 2 Plasma FSH levels (ng/ml) in different treatment groups (n = 5).Compound VI Control (0.5 mg/day) TP (0.5 mg/day) Intact 13.0 ± 1.3 14.4± 1.7 11.4 ± 1.7 Hemi-orchi- 18.0 ± 1.9 † 15.2 ± 2.2 17.2 ± 3.3 †dectomized Castrated 68.6 ± 6.3 † ‡ 69.6 ± 11.7 † ‡ 58.0 ± 6.9 * † ‡ * p< 0.05 compared to control group. † p < 0.05 compared to intact group. ‡p < 0.05 compared to hemi-orchidectomized group.

TABLE 3 Plasma LH levels (ng/ml) in different treatment groups (n = 5).Compound VI Control (0.5 mg/day) TP (0.5 mg/day) Intact 0.160 ± 0.1870.026 ± 0.037 0.168 ± 0.173 Hemi-orchi- 0.240 ± 0.268 0.124 ± 0.1150.124 ± 0.092 dectomized Castrated 8.704 ± 1.709 † ‡ 8.644 ± 2.799 † ‡6.702 ± 1.513 † ‡ * p < 0.05 compared to control group. † p < 0.05compared to intact group. ‡ p < 0.05 compared to hemi-orchidectomizedgroup.

The effects of unilateral orchidectomy, bilateral orchidectomy, TP, andCompound VI on plasma osteocalcin levels (Table 4) were examined.Osteocalcin is a specific osteoblastic marker that can be used toevaluate the endogenous bone formation rate. There were no significantdifferences in osteocalcin levels between intact, hemi-orchidectomizedand castrated animals in the vehicle-treated (i.e., control) animals.However, treatment with Compound VI led to a significant increase inplasma osteocalcin levels in hemi-orchidectomized and castrated animals.TP had no effect on plasma osteocalcin levels. These data demonstratethat Compound VI increases bone formation rate in male animals with noeffects on plasma concentrations of testosterone, FSH, or LH.

TABLE 4 Plasma osteocalcin levels (ng/ml) in different treatment groups(n = 5). Compound VI Control (0.5 mg/day) TP (0.5 mg/day) Intact 59.403± 13.933 55.584 ± 9.715 74.952 ± 15.399 Hemi-orchi- 62.110 ± 14.77089.804 ± 15.517*† 77.236 ± 24.418 dectomized Castrated 66.965 ± 11.30594.215 ± 12.568*† 65.976 ± 11.213 *p < 0.05 compared to control group.†p < 0.05 compared to intact group. ‡p < 0.05 compared tohemi-orchidectomized group.

In intact animals, Compound VI decreased the size of the prostate to 79%of that observed in control animals, with no statistically significantchanges in the size of the seminal vesicles or levator ani muscle (Table5 below and FIG. 2). The pharmacologic effects and tissue selectivity ofCompound VI were more obvious in hemi-orchidectomized animals. CompoundVI decreased the size of the prostate and seminal vesicles to 75% and79%, respectively, and increased the size of the levator ani muscle to108% of that observed in untreated hemi-orchidectomized animals. Theseobservations demonstrate that Compound VI acts as a partial agonist inprostate and seminal vesicles and as a full agonist in levator animuscle. No adverse pharmacologic effects were observed.

TABLE 5 Comparison of androgenic and anabolic effects of Compound VI andTP on intact, hemi-orchidectomized and castrated rats (% of intactcontrol, n = 5). Compound VI Organs Control (0.5 mg/day) TP (0.5 mg/day)Prostate Intact 100.00 ± 13.13  79.41 ± 9.32*†  97.45 ± 10.82 Hemi- 86.42 ± 19.52  74.69 ± 8.44*†  98.57 ± 7.98 Castrated  7.19 ± 1.25 32.55 ± 11.65*†‡  76.78 ± 10.43*‡ Seminal Intact 100.00 ± 18.84  90.54± 12.10 103.95 ± 13.23 Vesicle Hemi- 102.93 ± 7.47  78.55 ± 13.58†‡114.19 ± 23.81 Castrated  8.97 ± 1.23  16.47 ± 5.21*†‡  63.48 ± 17.05*‡Levator Intact 100.00 ± 12.69 109.15 ± 14.68  95.61 ± 9.34 Ani Hemi- 92.94 ± 7.83 108.10 ± 8.92‡  98.63 ± 10.47 Castrated  42.74 ± 5.22100.65 ± 10.86‡  87.27 ± 10.25‡ *p < 0.05 compared to intact controlgroup. †p < 0.05 compared to TP of same surgical status (i.e., intact,hemi-orchidectomized, or castrate). ‡p < 0.05 compared to control groupof same surgical status.

Compound VI demonstrated potent and tissue-selective pharmacologiceffects in intact, hemi-orchidectomized and castrated male rats.Compound VI led to significant decreases in prostate weights in intactand hemi-orchidectomized animals, and was less effective than TP atincreasing the weight of the prostate in castrated animals. Similarpharmacologic effects were noted in the seminal vesicles (another organgenerally considered as a marker of androgenic effects), with theexception that Compound VI had no effect on the weight of the seminalvesicles in intact animals. Compound VI treatment led to significantincreases in the weight of the levator ani muscle inhemi-orchidectomized and castrated animals. These effects were greaterthan those observed with TP. These data demonstrate the tissue-selectivepharmacologic effects of Compound VI. It is important to note that theseeffects were observed in the absence of any significant changes inplasma concentrations of FSH, LH and testosterone. Compound VI increasedplasma concentrations of osteocalcin. In summary, these data show thatCompound VI elicits an optimal pharmacological profile in male animals,identifying it as the first member of a new class of orally bioavailableand tissue-selective SARMs.

Example 3 Pharmacologic Activity and Tissue-Selectivity of Compound VII,Hydroxy-flutamide and Finasteride in Intact Male Rats

Compound VII is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) incastrated male rats. It behaved as an agonist in anabolic tissue while apartial agonist in androgenic tissue. When it's administered to intactmale rats at the dose rate of 0.5 mg/day, Compound VII significantlydecreased the prostate weight to 63% of that observed in vehicle-treatedintact animals without affecting the levator ani muscle weight. Thetissue selectivity Compound VII demonstrated in intact male rats couldbe explained by two possible mechanisms; 1) in the presence ofendogenous testosterone, Compound VII simply behaved as a partialagonist in DHT-dependent androgenic tissue; 2) Compound VII is also a5α-reductase inhibitor besides its partial agonist activity inandrogenic tissues.

Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were purchased from Harlan Biosciences(Indianapolis, Ind.). The animals were maintained on a 12-h cycle oflight and dark with food and water available ad libitum. MaleSprague-Dawley rats weighing 189 to 226 g were randomly distributed intogroups of 5 animals. The intact male rats were treated withhydroxy-flutamide (0.5, 1, 5, 10 or 25 mg/kg), finasteride (5 mg/kg),Compound VII (0.5, 1, 5, 10, 25 mg/kg) or vehicle for 3, 6, or 9 days.The drugs were dissolved in DMSO:PEG300 (20:80, v:v) and administeredvia daily subcutaneous injections, and the dosages were adjusted basedon animal's body weight, which was measured on a daily basis. A group ofcastrated rats (n=5) was also included as control for each time point.By the end of each treatment period, the animals were sacrificed within8 hours after the last dose, the androgenic and anabolic tissues(ventral prostate, seminal vesicle and levator ani muscle) were removedand weighed, the prostate was frozen and stored at −80° C. for analyzingtissue concentrations of DHT and testosterone, and blood samples werecollected and used for the measurement of serum markers, including FSH,LH and testosterone. The organ weights were normalized with the bodyweights. Percentage changes were determined by comparison to intactanimals. Statistical analyses of all the parameters were performed bysingle-factor ANOVA with the alpha value set a priori at p<0.05.

Results: FIGS. 3 to 5 show the change in organ weights in all treatmentgroups after different treatment periods. Hydroxyflutamide at all doses(0.5, 1, 5, 10, mg/kg), significantly decreased the wet weight of theprostate, seminal vesicle and levator ani muscle within three days oftreatment. However, no typical dose-response relationship was observedin any of these organs. Similar in all the dose groups, the prostate,seminal vesicle and levator ani muscle were significantly decreased toapproximately 60%, 50% and 85%, respectively. There was no significantdifference between any two of these dose groups. At the same time point,castration significantly decreased the prostate, seminal vesicle andlevator ani muscle to 45%, 30% and 71%, respectively. In Compound VIItreated groups, no typical dose-response relationship was observedeither, similar results were observed in most of the dose groups (0.5,1, 5, 10, 25 mg/kg) after three days of treatment. In general, CompoundVII decreased the prostate and seminal vesicle weights to 80% and 70%,without affecting the levator ani muscle weight. At the same stage,finasteride (5 mg/kg) significantly decreased the prostate and seminalvesicle weight to 59% and 38%, while showing no effect on the levatorani muscle weight.

Six days after castration, the prostate, seminal vesicle and levator animuscle weights decreased further to 22%, 24% and 65% of the normallevels. However, the organ weight changes in hydroxy-flutamide treatedanimals did not follow the pattern observed after three days treatment.In the lower dose groups (0.5, 1, 5, 10 mg/kg) of hydroxy-flutamidetreated animals, no further decreases were observed in any of the organweights. On the contrary, the organ weights in these dose groupsreturned to the levels observed in intact animals. Only the highest dose(25 mg/kg) significantly decreased the prostate, seminal vesicle andlevator ani muscle to 54%, 41% and 65%, respectively. Although noapparent dose-response relationship was observed in thesehydroxy-flutamide treated groups, the highest dose group started to showsignificant difference from all the lower dose groups. In Compound VIItreated animals, changes in prostate, seminal vesicle, and levator animuscle were similar to that observed after three days treatment, notypical dose-response relationship was observed. At higher doses (5, 10,25 mg/kg), significant decreases in the prostate and seminal vesicleweights were observed, ranging from 70 to 80% for the prostate, and 45to 68% for the seminal vesicle. Importantly, none of these doses causedany significant changes in the levator ani muscle weights, demonstratingthe tissue-selective pharmacologic activity of Compound VII and itspotential value in the treatment of BPH. Finasteride (5 mg/kg)significantly decreased the prostate, seminal vesicle weights to 67% and47%, and no significant changes were seen in levator ani muscle weight.

Nine days after castration, the prostate, seminal vesicle and levatorani muscle weights decreased even further to 15%, 14% and 62%,respectively. Organ weight changes observed in finasteride (5 mg/kg)treated animals were similar to those observed after three or six daysof treatment. The prostate and seminal vesicle weights were decreased to55% and 29%, the levator ani muscle weight was not significantlychanged. In Compound VII treated groups, increasing effects indecreasing the prostate and seminal vesicle weights were shown in lowerdose groups (0.5, 1, 5 mg/kg). However, decreases in all the high doses(5, 10, 25 mg/kg) were not dose-dependent, the prostate and seminalvesicle weights were significantly decreased to 50% and 45%,respectively. Also, no significant changes in the levator ani muscleweights were observed in most of the dose groups after nine daystreatment, except for that significant increase (112%) was seen in thehighest dose group (25 mg/kg). The hydroxy-flutamide treatment finallyshowed some dose-response relationship after nine days treatment.Different from what was observed after six days treatment, moderatedecreases were seen in the prostate, seminal vesicle and levator animuscle weights at lower doses (0.5, 1, 5, 10 mg/kg), and the changeswere dose-dependent. The 25 mg/kg dose maintained its effects on all theorgan weights at a similar level compared to that at previous timepoints.

In summary, high dose (25 mg/kg) of hydroxy-flutamide significantlydecreased the organ weights of the prostate, seminal vesicle and levatorani muscle after 3, 6 or 9 days treatment. However, some fluctuations inthe changes were seen in the lower dose groups (0.5, 1, 5, 10 mg/kg),and no typical dose-response relationship was observed until the end ofthe nine days treatment. Finasteride, at 5 mg/kg dose, significantlydecreased the prostate and seminal vesicle weights to similar extendafter 3, 6 or 9 days treatment, while it did not affect the levator animuscle weight. Compound VII was also able to decrease the prostate andseminal vesicle weights in intact animals after 3, 6 or 9 daystreatment, and no typical dose-response relationship was observed at 3and 6 day time point, although some dose-dependent changes were seen atlower doses (0.5, 1, 5 mg/kg) after 9 days treatment. However, CompoundVII did not significantly decrease the levator ani muscle weights at anyof the doses after 3, 6 or 9 days treatment, 25 mg/kg dose treatmenteven increased the levator ani muscle weight by 12% after 9 daystreatment. The effects of Compound VII on the androgenic tissues weresimilar to those of hydroxy-flutamide, while its effect on the levatorani muscle was similar to that of finasteride.

Example 4 Compound VII Reduces Prostate in Intact Sprague-Dawley Rats

20 intact male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing approximately 100-175 gramseach, were randomly placed into 4 treatment groups of 5 animals/group.Animals were treated by oral gavage with vehicle (10% Ethanol and 90%Polyethylene Glycol) or Compound VII (dissolved in the vehicle)according to following treatment groups: Group 1=0 mg/kg (vehicle only),Group 2=Compound VII, 30 mg/kg; Group 3=Compound VII, 100 mg/kg; Group4=Compound VII, 300 mg/kg. Each animal received once-daily doses forseven consecutive days. On day 8, the animals were sacrificed and theventral prostate from each animal was dissected and weighed. Prostateweights (g) were normalized to body weight (g), and the results areshown in FIG. 6. Animals treated with 10 mg/kg of Compound VIIdemonstrated a markedly decreased prostate-to-Body weight ratio of 0.62%relative to 0.128% in the 0 mg/kg control group (Group 1). In alltreatment groups, Compound VII dramatically reduced the prostate weight(normalized to body weight) by greater than 48.4% when compared to theintact control (p<0.01). Further, increasing the dose 100-fold above 10mg/kg day did not significantly increase the atrophy in prostate (10mg/kg compared to 1000 mg/kg). The results demonstrate herein show thatCompound VII will be an effective intervention for reducing the size ofthe prostate and therefore minimizing the symptoms associated withbenign prostate hyperplasia at relatively low pharmacological doses.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined bythe claims which follow:

1. A method of reducing the severity or frequency of signs and symptomsof BPH in a subject suffering from BPH, comprising a step of contactingthe androgen receptor with a selective androgen receptor modulator(SARM) compound represented by the structure of formula I:

wherein G is O; X is O; T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR; Z is NO₂, CN,COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR; Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CN, C(R)₃ or Sn(R)₃;Q is alkyl, halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃,NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCOR,NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R, SR; R is alkyl, haloalkyl,dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl,halogen, alkenyl or OH; and R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, orCF₂CF₃; or its isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutical product,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, N-oxide or any combinationthereof.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said SARM compound isrepresented by the structure of formula II:

wherein Z, Y, X and Q are as described in claim
 1. 3. The methodaccording to claim 2, wherein said SARM compound is:


4. The method of claim 1, wherein said subject is a human.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein said SARM is an inhibitor of a 5α-reductase enzyme.6. The method of claim 1, wherein said SARM is a competitive inhibitorof a 5-α reductase enzyme.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein said 5-αreductase enzyme is a 5-α reductase enzyme type
 1. 8. The method ofclaim 5, wherein said 5-α reductase enzyme is a 5-α reductase enzymetype
 2. 9. The method of claim 5, wherein said 5-α reductase enzyme is atestosterone 5-α reductase enzyme.
 10. A method of treating a subjectsuffering from hair loss, comprising a step of administering to saidsubject a therapeutically effective amount of a 5-α reductase enzymeinhibitor, wherein said inhibitor is a selective androgen receptormodulator (SARM) compound represented by the structure of formula I:

wherein G is O; X is O; T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR; Z is NO₂, CN,COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR; Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CN, C(R)₃ or Sn(R)₃;Q is alkyl, halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃,NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCOR,NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R, SR; R is alkyl, haloalkyl,dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl,halogen, alkenyl or OH; and R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, OF₃, CH₂CH₃, orCF₂CF₃; or its isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutical product,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, N-oxide or any combinationthereof.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said SARM compound isrepresented by the structure of formula II:

wherein Z, Y, X and Q are as described in claim
 10. 12. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein said SARM compound is:


13. The method of claim 10, wherein said subject is a human.